ScanLingua is a free Chrome add-on developed by SpaceHoboDev. It is a powerful tool that allows users to scan, recognize, and translate Japanese text from selected areas of the screen. Whether you need to check subtitles, manga panels, or any other Japanese text, ScanLingua has got you covered.

One of the standout features of ScanLingua is its ability to not only recognize text but also provide kanji annotation and audio. This means that not only can you translate the text, but you can also get additional information about the kanji characters used. This feature is especially helpful for language learners who want to deepen their understanding of Japanese.

In addition to text recognition and translation, ScanLingua also allows users to edit recognized text and alter annotations. This gives users more control and flexibility in working with the scanned text.

Another useful feature of ScanLingua is its ability to create and export kanji cards to Anki via Anki-connect. This integration with Anki, a popular flashcard software, makes it easy for users to review and practice the kanji characters they encounter.

It is important to note that ScanLingua uses various Google APIs and requires a free API key creation in order to use the extension functions.

Please be aware that the current version1_hotfix) has temporarily disabled the kanji annotation feature due to maintenance work. However, it is expected to be back in the beginning of August.

ScanLingua is a valuable tool for anyone who needs to work with Japanese text on their screen. Its combination of text recognition, translation, and kanji annotation sets it apart from other similar tools. Plus, being free and open source, it is accessible to everyone.